Cochin Haneefa | |
---|---|
Born |
Salim Ahmed Ghoush 22 April 1951 Kochi, Thiru-Kochi, India |
Died | 2 February 2010 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
(aged 58)
Other names | VMC Haneefa |
Occupation | Actor, film director, screenwriter |
Years active | 1972–2010 |
Spouse(s) | Fasila |
Children | Safa, Marwa (twins) |
Parent(s) | Veluthedathu Muhammed, Hajira |
Salim Ahmed Ghoush (22 April 1951 – 2 February 2010), better known by his stage name Cochin Haneefa, was an Indian film actor, director, and screenwriter. He started his career in the 1970s mainly portraying villainous roles, before going on to become one of the most popular comedians of Malayalam cinema. He has acted in more than 300 films in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films.
As a director he is best known for the films Aankiliyude Tharattu (1987) and Valtsalyam (1993).
Haneefa was born in Kochi to Kochi Velthedathu Tharavattil A.B. Muhammed and Hajira. He studied at Kochi St. Augustine's School and St. Albert's College and graduated with a degree in Botany. He was married to Fasila. The couple have twins, Safa and Marva.
He was a member of the famed comedy troupe Cochin Kalabhavan, whose members included Jayaram, Kalabhavan Mani, Harisree Ashokan, Salim Kumar, and Bindhu Panicker. He made his film debut in 1972 in Azhimukham directed by Vijayan and went on to act in over 300 films in Malayalam. He also acted in over 80 Tamil films, including popular movies like Mahanadi with Kamal Haasan,Sivaji and Enthiran with Rajinikanth.
Haneefa played memorable roles in many Malayalam films, including Mannar Mathai Speaking, Devaasuram, Kireedam, chenkol , Punjabi House and Swapnakoodu, C.I. Mahadevan 5 Adi 4 Inchu. He also directed around 20 films, including Valtsalyam and Moonu Masangalkku Munbu. The last Tamil films in which he appeared were Madrasapattinam and Enthiran. His final Malayalam film was the 2010 film Bodyguard.